Baalbek: Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem strongly criticized the Lebanese government's August 5 decision during a ceremony in Baalbek marking the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein, arguing that it strips Lebanon of its defensive capabilities amid ongoing aggression, facilitating the killing of resistance fighters and their fellow citizens.
According to National news Agency - Lebanon, Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on August 5 that the Cabinet has formally tasked the Lebanese Army with drafting a comprehensive plan to consolidate arms under state control by the end of 2025. The army is expected to submit the plan for Cabinet review no later than August 31.
The decision followed a tense and extended Cabinet meeting held at the presidential palace in Baabda, chaired by President Joseph Aoun. More than three hours of the session were devoted to the highly sensitive agenda item concerning the consolidation of arms under the state's authority, a topic that continues to fuel deep political divides within the Lebanese government.
Sheikh Qassem described the decision as 'dangerous' and a violation of Lebanon's social cohesion, warning that it 'exposes the country to a very serious crisis.' He accused the government of carrying out 'the American-Israeli scheme to dismantle the resistance, even at the cost of plunging Lebanon into civil war and fueling internal strife.'
"This government is serving the Israeli project, knowingly or not," he declared, addressing officials directly, "If you feel helpless, let us face the enemy ourselves. We don't need you to engage; leave confronting it to us."
Furthermore, the Resistance leader stressed that the government's duty 'is not to surrender the country to the enemy or to unchecked American domination,' questioning officials, "How can you, as a government, facilitate the killing of your own citizens? How can Lebanon survive if some of its partners turn against others?"
Elsewhere in his remarks, Sheikh Qassem also referenced Israeli expansionist ambitions, questioning the government's stance and actions regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 'Greater Israel' vision, which poses a threat to the sovereignty of Arab states.
Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed that 'the Resistance drew its legitimacy from the blood of the martyrs, not from your [Lebanese government's] approval,' urging the government not to involve the Lebanese army in internal strife or compromise its integrity. He held the Lebanese government fully responsible for any internal discord and for failing in its duty to defend Lebanon's land.
The decision to consolidate arms under state control comes amid heightened foreign pressure on Lebanon to address the issue of arms outside state institutions. However, many Lebanese, particularly within the Resistance camp, believe that any national defense strategy must acknowledge the Resistance's effectiveness in deterring Israeli aggression and preserving Lebanon's sovereignty.
Sheikh Qassem paid tribute to the Lebanese army martyrs in Zibqin and emphasized the Resistance's commitment to never surrendering their weapons as long as aggression persists, invoking the legacy of steadfast struggle exemplified in the Battle of Karbala. He framed the fight as both a moral and spiritual duty, declaring absolute confidence in ultimate victory.
He stressed that Lebanese sovereignty is inseparable from the Resistance, declaring, "True sovereignty exists only when it is fortified by the resistance that liberated our land." He also acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by regions in Lebanon undergoing relentless attacks, which have claimed civilian lives and devastated infrastructure.
On the achievements of the Resistance and its role in regional struggles, Sheikh Qassem urged unity among all Lebanese factions, warning that no single group can shoulder the nation's future alone. He reaffirmed Hezbollah's 2006 victory as a triumph of will and resistance, which deterred Israel for 17 years.
Expressing gratitude to Iran for its continued support, Sheikh Qassem also reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause, declaring that Palestinian victory is certain and emphasizing the sacrifices of the rightful owners of the land.